Courses

M-CS 101 Education Seminar (0) Required of all freshmen intending to enter one of the teacher education programs. The seminar sessions will help the student explore the many facets of teaching both as a ministry and as a profession. Self-evaluative and reflective activities and field experiences will be used to help the student solidify his or her decision related to entering an FBBC teacher preparation program. An overview of the requirements for each program will be presented, and the required entrance and grammar test for each program will be given through this course. A required component of the seminar is planning for three days of field experiences.

M-CS 104 Educational Technology (1) Required for all freshmen intending to enter one of the teacher education programs. Overviews the Faith performance-based teacher preparation program as well as the Chalk & Wiree-portfolio system used for portfolio development. A required component of the seminars is field experiences with related observation and reflective reports.

M-CS 201 Foundations of Education (3) A survey and study of the American school system including the development of the Christian school movement. It presents a biblical philosophy of life and the application of that philosophy to Christian education so that candidates can begin to develop their own philosophy of education. Candidates will be introduced to a foundational knowledge base of education including theories of development and learning, curriculum, instructional approaches, and the learning environment. Issues in public and Christian school education will be addressed and discussed. A clinical experience related to the goals of this course will also be required.

M-CS 202 Elementary Methods and Materials (3) A foundational course dealing with the aim, materials, and methods of elementary school teaching. The fundamental skills of instructional planning and differentiated instruction of concepts are the focus. Emphasis is placed on effective oral communication in lesson presentation and questioning skills. Also discussed are preparation and use of technology and audiovisuals in the classroom and classroom management.

M-CS 207 Human Relations for Teachers (3) Studies the Christian teacher's relationship to people of various identifiable subgroups in our pluralistic society and the impact of biases on an individual's ability to properly relate to others. Biblical principles related to human relations will be integrated in a variety of learning activities that will promote the development of social skills, a proper self-concept, and a respect for God-created human diversity.

M-CS 208 Child Growth & Development (3) A study of the spiritual, physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of the child from birth to adolescence.Emphasis is placed on the centrality of the spiritual domain in development.Literacy development and the variations related to culture and linguistic diversity are integral to the child study project.

M-CS 209 Clinical Practice Seminar I, II (0) Required of all sophomores intending to enter one of the teacher education programs. The requirements of the performance-based teacher preparation program will be reviewed with a special emphasis upon the required field experiences. The students will begin to develop their electronic portfolios, and sophomore-level field experience requirements will be discussed and emphasized. English and math proficiency exams will be administered during these class sessions.

M-CS 302 Reading Instructional Strategies (2) Required for students seeking the K-8 Reading Endorsement. It focuses on the range of research-based strategies and instructional technology appropriate for the remediation of reading problems of phonemic awareness, word identification/phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, and or writing problems. Practitioners use this knowledge for grouping students, for designing and delivering effective instruction, and for selecting materials appropriate for learners at various stages of reading and writing development and from varied cultural and linguistic background. Effective strategies that facilitate the learning of standard English by all learners is included. A ten hour tutorial experience will be required. Prerequisites: Teaching Reading I, II

M-CS 304 Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary (3) Examines the objectives, methods, and materials for teaching and evaluating concepts of elementary mathematics as well as computational skills.Special consideration is given to the importance of possessing a Christian philosophy of teaching mathematics. Prerequisite: M-CS 202 (Methods and Materials for the Elementary School)

M-CS 307 Teaching Reading I (3) Covers the history of reading instruction, current approaches and research based strategies for reading instruction, the reading process, and the developmental and diverse nature of children related to reading instruction. Candidates learn how to develop a comprehensive reading program for reading instruction which includes comprehension, vocabulary, and the word recognition strategies of sight words, context clues, structural analysis and phonics. Candidates will gain awareness of policies and procedures related to special programs such as Title 1, Reading Recovery and Reading First.

M-CS 308 Teaching Reading II (3) A study of the nature of reading difficulty and the characteristics of children and other factors which contribute to reading difficulty. Practitioners learn of existing reading instruments, procedures and practices utilized for the identification of students' reading proficiencies and deficiencies. Practitioners develop and administer a variety of informal reading instruments and write a case study for stakeholders. The practitioner uses research-based strategies and instructional technology for selecting materials for conducting five hours of diagnostic instruction. The practitioner will research the history, policies and procedures of the Reading Recovery Program, Reading First and Title I.

G-HU 308 Children's Literature (1) Required for students seeking the K-8 Reading Endorsement. It covers the history, authors and illustrators of children's literature, genres of children's literature, including media-based text. Candidate will search for and read children's books which represent broad interests and academic concepts and which reflect varied cultures, linguistic backgrounds, and perspectives in the classroom. Candidate will learn about effective book reports. Discussion includes the importance of moral and literary excellence in children's literature. Candidates will publish a work of children's literature. Prerequisite: Teaching Language Arts.

M-CS 309, 310 Clinical Practice Seminar III, IV (0) Required of all juniors who are working toward a degree in one of the teacher education programs. The requirements of the performance-based teacher preparation program will be reviewed with a special emphasis upon the required field experiences.The students will update their electronic portfolios, and junior level field experience requirements will be discussed and emphasized.

M-CS 311 Teaching Elementary Science (2) Examines the objectives, methods, and materials for teaching science in the elementary classroom. National science standards are presented. The selection and organization of materials and the implementation of biblically integrated curriculum is emphasized. Consideration is given to the inquiry-experimentation approach to the study of God's created world. Prerequisite: M-CS 202 Elementary Methods and Materials

M-CS 312 Reading Practicum (2) Required for students seeking the K-8 Reading Endorsement. It is designed to help candidates apply theory and research to developing diagnostic instructional skills. Candidates will utilize formal and informal assessments to recognize and diagnose literacy deficiencies and will utilize research-based strategies and instructional technology to select materials appropriate for learners at various stages of reading and writing development and from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Practicum will involve 30 contact hours with a reading instructor. Prerequisites: All endorsement classes

M-CS 314 Teaching Elementary Social Studies (3) Examines the objectives, methods, and materials for teaching social studies in the elementary classroom. It also surveys the Biblical view of man's relationships to God, to others, to himself, and to the environment.National social studies standards are presented.The selection and organization of materials and the implementation of Biblically integrated curriculum are emphasized.Prerequisite: M-CS 202 Elementary Methods and Materials

M-CS 315 Language Acquisition and Development (3) Required for students seeking the K-8 Reading Endorsement. It is designed to develop an understanding of the psychological, socio-cultural, and linguistic foundations of reading and writing processes from birth through the elementary years and to prepare educators to guide the development of oral and written communication of standard English. Influences on language learning are explored including variations related to cultural-linguistic diversity, and the unique needs of students with language differences and delays are identified. Classroom activities provide exposure to research-based strategies and instructional technology for delivering effective instruction for learners at various stages of reading and writing development.

G-SS 401 Human Relationships (3) Focuses on the Christian's relationship to people of various identifiable cultures and subgroups in a pluralistic society and the impact of biases on an individual's ability to properly minister to others.Biblical principles related to human relations will be integrated into a variety of learning activities which will promote the development of social skills, a proper self-concept, and a respect for God-created human diversity.

M-CS 403 Content Area Reading in the Elementary (1) Required for students seeking the K-8 Reading Endorsement. It is designed to develop an understanding of the necessity of fostering strategic reading in the elementary and middle school content courses. Study will include differentiated instruction as a means of making accommodations for middle school readers and writers. Candidates will learn about text structures and how to teach students to recognize and utilize them for comprehension. Candidates will learn how to teach content area vocabulary. Special attention will be given to the challenges faced by and remediation techniques for ELL.

M-CS 404Elementary Reading Methods (1) Covers the impact that music training can have on learning in other academic subjects, particularly reading, and the importance of attending to student reading skills in music class. Also addressed are the developmental levels of readers, basic approaches to teaching reading, readability formulas and elementary reading programs.

M-CS 405The Exceptional Learner (4) An overview of the historical and legislative background of special education and of student diversity and surveys the categories of exceptionalities covered by IDEA.Current issues in special education are discussed from a biblical perspective.Special emphasis is given to educational concerns of children with learning disabilities and ELL and to the research-based strategies recommended for effective instruction of these special learners.

M-CS 407 Music in the Elementary Classroom (2) A study of the music skills and concepts that are used in elementary schools. Students become familiar with the varying age characteristics from kindergarten through sixth grade, along with the musical applications for each age group. Integrating music within the general classroom setting as well as appropriate music-related activities and games are emphasized. Additional topics include: philosophy; practical study of singing; accompanying children with the piano/keyboard, and/or guitar and autoharp; and the design and delivery of effective lesson plans. Elementary Education majors with adequate musical background may be admitted to M-CS 409, Teaching Elementary Music, upon recommendation of the instructor. That course satisfies the requirements of M-CS 407. Prerequisite:M-CS 202, Elementary Teaching Methods and Materials

M-CS 408 Content Area Reading in the Secondary (2) An examination of reading skills and instructional needs of secondary level students with emphasis on teaching and management techniques for a range of reading levels including comprehensive strategies, basic study skills, coordination of reading instruction, and recreational reading.

M-CS 412 Student Teaching Seminar (0) A practical discussion of topics related to teaching in the Christian school as final preparation for student teaching.Topics covered include discipline and classroom management techniques, adjustments and transitions into full-time teaching responsibilities, the cooperating teacher, the college supervisor, responsibilities of the student teacher, and placement practices.In addition, the seminar will function as an opportunity for reflective assessments following the student teaching experience.

M-CS 413 Teaching Language Arts (3) A study of the content, objectives, and methods of teaching the arts of language (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in the K-8 grade settings.Subjects involving language communication, such as composition, grammar, spelling, and handwriting, are covered. Candidates gain knowledge related to the unique needs and backgrounds of students with language differences and delays. An overview of children's literature is included in course of study.For students receiving the Middle School Endorsement, ten hours of middle school language arts observation will be required.

M-CS 414 Christian School Teaching (Student Teaching) (10) A full-time, fourteen-week assignment during which time the student teacher is under the guidance of an experienced, properly credentialed cooperating teacher. Following an orientation period during which the student teacher observes and gradually assumes teacher-related duties, the student teacher will transition into full-time teaching for several weeks. The student teacher will be responsible for all phases of the instructional process and is expected to follow the daily schedule and duties of the cooperating teacher. For those earning eligibility for the K-8 Reading Endorsement, the student teacher will be placed in settings in which he/she can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the endorsement program coursework. A significant portion of the 14-week experience will be devoted to literacy instruction. The student teacher will observe and assist in assessment, diagnosis and remediation of students' reading and writing weaknesses. Participation in small group and individual instruction and assessment in reading will be required. Three of the ten course credits will be devoted to the reading endorsement requirements

M-CS 419 Praxis: Theory to Practice (3) A review of the principles and theories of teaching and learning in preparation for the student teaching experience.Topics of classroom management, discipline, classroom assessment, and standardized testing will be emphasized.The capstone requirement for this course is a 40-hour practicum in which the candidates will demonstrate their readiness for the student teaching experience.

M-CS 511 The Middle School Student (3) Examines the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development of early adolescents and the corresponding implications for effective instruction and positive personal development for the middle school students.

M-CS 512 Middle School Curriculum and Instruction (3) Introduces students to the middle school concept and help them view the middle school from the Christian perspective. Current views on the middle school and curriculum development will be critically examined. Included in this course is practice in developing an interdisciplinary thematic unit as well as an introduction to various instructional strategies typically associated with the middle school.

G-SS 602 World Geography (1) Designed to provide those education majors seeking a middle school endorsement with the general knowledge and understanding to teach name-place geography in an elementary or middle school classroom.

G-SS 603 American Government (2) Gives students a working knowledge of America's national government system. Included is a Biblical basis for government and discussion of the contributions of Christians and Christianity to American government. At the heart of the course is a careful examination of the Constitution including the Amendments.

Faculty in the Elementary Education Program

He served as an administrator and teacher in four Christian School before joining the Faith faculty in 1998. These experiences, coupled with his strong academic background in education, make him an exceptional teacher at Faith. Dr. Stupka directs the field experience component of the Christian School program, which involves the placement of students in student teaching positions. Dr. Stupka and his family are active members at Maranatha Baptist Church in Grimes, where he serves as the associate pastor of Christian education.

ContactContact Dr. Stupka for information about the field experience program of the Christian School Department at Faith.

Mark E. Stupka, Ed.D. Christian School

964.0601ext. 267

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Mrs. Mary Jo Brown joined the Faith faculty in the fall of 2012 after an extensive background in elementary teaching in Christian and public schools. In addition, she served for 18 years as a pastor's wife, so she has wide experience in church and Christian school ministry. Mary Jo's husband, Daniel, also joined the Faith faculty at the same time, so they are able to minister as a team. The Browns have four daughters, two of whom teach in a Christian school.

Contact Mrs. Brown to learn more about the Christian School Department at Faith.

Mary Jo Brown, M.A.Christian School

964.0601

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Mrs. Long brings to her classes years of teaching experience in the Christian school classroom. She has a passion for Christian school teaching and for helping students prepare for ministries in Christian schools. Her expertise is in teaching methods for various elementary subjects. Mrs. Long and her husband, Don, live in Ankeny and are active members of Grandview Park Baptist Church in Des Moines.

ClassesStudent Teaching SupervisionTeaching of Elementary MathematicsTeaching of Elementary ScienceTeaching of Elementary Social Studies

ContactMrs. Long for more information about the Christian School department.

Eldonna (Dee) Long, M.S.Christian School

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Dr. Long came to Faith in 1986 as the chair of the Christian School Department. He led the department to new levels of effectiveness and recognition. In 2011 he transitioned to the position of director of institutional effectiveness to lead Faith in its assessment program and in its pursuit to achieve greater effectiveness in our programs. Dr. Long and his wife, Dee, live in Ankeny and are active members of Grandview Park Baptist Church in Des Moines.

Education• B.S., West Chester State University; • M.Ed., University of Toledo, • Ed.D., University of Sarasota.

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Overview

"If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical formulas but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart, I have not been educated. If I play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write music that moves men to tears but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship Him, I have not been educated. If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right but have not been told of the sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ, I have not been educated."

Faith's accredited education program prepares teachers to take God's Word into the elementary, secondary English, and music classrooms and use it truly to educate students. Graduates benefit from the strong Bible core of the Faith experience, the many mentoring opportunities, the classroom experience, and highly qualified faculty. If you sense the Lord leading you to be a teacher, you will find quality training at Faith.

Ministry Opportunities

Christian School graduates from Faith are in demand today. Christian schools know that the Faith grad has a solid Bible background and a high skill level of teaching. Normally every education grad that wants to enter teaching immediately can find a place of ministry. Some students complete the Christian School program with a goal of homeschooling their children. Such a course of study will enable you to teach your children successfully. Since the Faith Christian School program is accredited by the State of Iowa, a grad can find employment in either a Christian or public school.

The Elementary Education Program

The Christian school classroom is an ideal place for nurturing children and for reinforcing parental values. The Elementary Education program at Faith will enable you to guide children through their formative years by integrating Biblical truth into all subjects. Faith elementary education graduates are in high demand and typically multiple teaching opportunties after graduation. This program is also highly valuable for those who choose to homeschool.

At Faith you can also earn endorsements that expand your qualifications for teaching in different subject areas and levels. You will need to complete addditional course work to earn these endorsements.

K-8 Reading EndorsementThis endorsement prepares teachers to specialize in the teaching of reading in grades K-8. In addition to the regular course of study in elementary education, you will need to take the following courses:

• Adolescent Literature

• Reading Instructional Strategies

• Children's Literature

• Reading Practicum

• Language Acquisition and Development

• Content Area Reading in the Elementary

• Content Area Reading in the Secondary

English/Language Arts EndorsementThis endorsement prepares teachers to specialize in the teaching of English/language arts in grades K-8. In addition to the regular course of study in elementary education, you will need to take the following courses:

• Adolescent Literature • American Masterpieces

• Content Area Reading in the Secondary

5-8 Middle School EndorsementThis endorsement prepares teachers to specialize in the teaching of English/language arts and social studies in grades 5-8. In addition to the regular course of study in elementary education, you will need to take the following courses:

• The Middle School Student• Middle School Curriculum and Instruction

• Adolescent Literature • World Literature

K-12 Coaching EndorsementFor the K-12 Coaching Endorsement, students must take the following four courses in addition to the course of study for the elementary education major or any of the secondary education majors. These courses are offered during regular semesters at times convenient for both students and instructor.

• Foundations of Coaching • Sports Physiology

• Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries • Human Growth and Development

Christian School Program AdmissionOfficial admission into the Christian School program is required at the end of your sophomore year. Your faculty advisor will help you through the process and inform you of the criteria required for admission.

State LicensingThe Christian School Program at Faith is approved by the Iowa Department of Education so that the graduates are eligible to receive the state's initial license for teaching in public or Christian schools. This program requires a 14-week student teaching experience in the student's last semester.

Check the Courses page for a list of all the courses you will take in the Elementary Education program.

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